NASHVILLE -- In meetings with multiple player agents at the Winter Meetings, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has said that the team will pursue a frontline starting pitcher if they miss out on top target Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The Mets are intensely focused on Yamamoto, but have stiff competition from many other clubs, including the Yankees, who seem to like their chances. The Mets are also continuing to pursue rotation depth in the vein of the Luis Severino signing.
As far as more expensive pitchers like Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodriguez and Blake Snell, the Mets are saying in meetings that they would likely only go in that direction if they miss on Yamamoto. That is why, for example, they’ve had absolutely no interest in signing Rodriguez prior to or at the meetings.
Stearns and his staff are also busy looking for a strong defender in the outfield, who could provide insurance for Starling Marte’s health, push Brandon Nimmo to a corner position at times, and help with run prevention by catching the baseball. Michael A. Taylor is believed to be a top target, ahead of Harrison Bader, who might also come into play.